Afət Ziyadqızı
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced the squad for a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6, including 39-year-old star Lionel Messi.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the information was released by the AFA’s official press service.
According to the report, Lionel Messi, who announced in August that he had ended his distinguished career with the national team, will make his final appearance for the side he captains. Following consultations with head coach Lionel Scaloni, the AFA leadership decided to invite all members of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and organize a major farewell ceremony for Messi.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has set national-team records, scoring 125 goals in 207 official appearances for Argentina. He won the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América tournaments with the national team.
Argentina are also scheduled to play friendlies against Burkina Faso and Bolivia during the October international break, in addition to the match against Benin.
Messi is widely regarded as one of the most successful players in Argentina’s history. His international career includes the 2022 World Cup triumph, which ended the country’s 36-year wait for the title, as well as two Copa América victories.
